The tradition of hanging Christmas stockings was introduced by St. Nicholas, the patron of children

Ahhh, the coziness of relaxing by the fireplace with a cup of tea and cookies while looking at decorative Christmas stockings hanging down, reminiscing about carefree childhood memories of when being a good boy or girl during the year was rewarded with goodies stuffed into those large festive socks.

The tradition of Christmas stockings originated in the generous deeds of a nobleman named Nicholas who was born in 280 A.D. in Asia Minor. Nicholas dedicated his life to following the principles of Jesus Christ, using his wealth to help impoverished and suffering people. He became the Bishop of Myra in his young years, and was immensely popular for his kind, generous heart. Living a lifetime of celibacy, Nicholas never married or had children, but he loved children and thus often regaled those who lived in his hometown. This practice provided him with the epithet “the gift-giver of Myra.” Interestingly, his nobility never prevailed his modesty, so he always gave his presents late at night in order to protect his identity. He didn’t like the children to know who their patron was, so they were often told to go and sleep or otherwise he wouldn’t visit them.